Remember those pleasantly plump kids that participated in hot dog eating contests? Everyone in my neighborhood thought they were the biggest losers. Well, nowadays the hot dogs have been replaced with buffalo wings, ribs, pizza, doughnuts, cheesecake, deep-fried okra, and philly cheese steaks to name a few. Competitive eating is more than a trend. It's become a popular profession with individual prizes averaging $10,000 per contest. If you go on Facebook you can meet the "eaters" (that term still makes me laugh) under Major League Eating.
These guys train like you would do for any other type of competition. There are associated health risks with this as well. But, they have organizations that oversee all that technical stuff. According to the International Federation of Competitive Eating, "there are safety standards...it has to take place in a controlled environment with proper safety measures in place." And like any sport there are stars that shine a little more than others. For example, Sonja "The Black Widow" Thomas is a beautiful, petite, Korean born American. At first glance, you'd swear she could use a couple of burritos in her life. Those who've competed against her realize she got her nickname and 30 records because she takes her job seriously. There's Ian "The Invader" Hickman from Sterling, VA. He got my attention because he's noted for his great sportsmanship. What the ...? Do you get bonus points if you wipe your mouth after each bite?
I looked into it and yes, depending on who you talk to, there's an Eaters Code of Ethics. The Association of Independent Eaters was started by Arnie "Chowhound" Chapman. Officially, his organization states, "no separating, mashing, dunking, or other mutilation of contest food." In an unofficial interview (http://www.videojug.com/tag/interview-with-chowhound) he talks about the fellowship and respect that goes along with this sport. If someone is struggling, pour some water on their head or hit them in the stomach. You know the Marines have their code (God, country, corps). I have mine (family, country, Jim Boeheim). If that works for Chapman and the eating world, it's cool with me.
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I never really thought about proffesional eating contests as a sport but I guess you're right! I loved watching the hotdog eating contest on ESPN about the Kobeashi the amazing asian and Joey Chesnut the insane American.They train almost religously everyday stretching out their stomachs to fill more food, its incrediby crazy to watch!
ReplyDeleteThis was a really interesting article. I never really thought of professional eating as a sport, or definitely not to have a cod of conduct. Most people probably just think of it as something entertaining to watch on television, or the contests in their hometown. But with those cash prazes and the publicity some of these people get, they could really make a living. That is amazing to me. I wish I could chow down like them , and just get paid to eat!!!
ReplyDeleteHaha I love how you took a closer look at the world of competitive eating. I agree that those involved take it as seriously as any other professional sport, and often the best competitors are, surprisingly, in the best shape. Theres a Korean hotdog eating champ who has not a six but a twelve pack stomach that expands tremendously after he competes, before shrinking back down over the following 48 hours (competitive eating must be pretty big over there!) And although I bet it follows the rules of sportsmanlike conduct better than most others, you know there has to be a couple of bad apples out there trying to slip a pinch of Cajun Pepper into their competitor's doughnut. I wonder if there have been any controversial players that have been accused/punished for cheating at these events? Thoughtful blog, Yolanda!
ReplyDeleteThe article was very interesting. I love watching those guys just go at it and eat a ton of food within minutes. I dont know if anybody else saw the MTV special but that was awesome to watch as well. Kobeashi literally went to the restaurant and ate 6 pounds of food. I'd say it is a must see.
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